Transconnector

ABSTRACT

A transconnector for use in interconnecting a pair of longitudinal spinal rods in a spinal fixation procedure. The transconnector includes a bridge member and first and second spinal rod engaging members. The bridge member may include first and second members, wherein the first and second members are moveably associated with one another so that the distance between the first and second spinal rod engaging members can be adjusted. The first and second spinal rod engaging members include a rod receiving channel for receiving one of the spinal rods therein. The spinal rod engaging members may be articulating in, for example, the yaw and roll positions or non  articulating with respect to the bridge members. The spinal rod engaging members preferably include a spring, for example, a spring washer, to provide an opposing force so that the spinal rod engaging members can provisionally snap onto the spinal rods.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 60/975,071, filed Sep. 25, 2007, the content of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for spinal fixation, and inparticular to a transconnector for coupling longitudinal spinal rods, orother elongated members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spinal fusion is a procedure that involves joining two or more adjacentvertebrae with a spinal fixation device to restrict movement ofvertebrae with respect to one another. For a number of known reasons,spinal fixation devices are used in spine surgery to align and/or fix adesired relationship between adjacent vertebrae. Such devices typicallyinclude a pair of spinal fixation devices, such as, for example, alongitudinally spinal rod, a plate, etc., longitudinally placed on theposterior spine on either side of the spinous processes of the vertebralcolumn. The spinal fixation devices are coupled to adjacent vertebrae bytwo or more bone fixation elements, such as, for example, hooks, bolts,wires, screws, etc. Surgeons commonly choose to implant multiple bonefixation elements, as well as multiple spinal fixation devices, to treata given spinal disorder. The spinal fixation devices may have apredetermined contour and, once implanted, the spinal fixation devicemay hold the vertebrae in a desired spatial relationship until desiredhealing or spinal fusion has taken place or for some longer period oftime.

It is also known that the strength and stability of dual spinal rodassemblies can be increased by coupling the two spinal rods togetherwith a cross-brace or transconnector, which typically extendssubstantially transverse to the spinal rods and generally horizontallyacross the spine to interconnect the longitudinal spinal rods. The useof transconnectors, however, can provide surgeons with one or moredifficulties. The simplest situation in which a transconnector could beused occurs when the two spinal rods are substantially parallel to eachother, i.e. there is no rod convergence or divergence in themedial-lateral direction; where the two spinal rods have the sameorientation with respect to the coronal plane viewed in theanterior-posterior direction, i.e. the spinal rods are coplanar from alateral view; and where the two spinal rods are located at a fixed,predetermined distance from each other. However, due to a wide varietyof factors, the two spinal rods are rarely geometrically aligned in thismanner in clinical situations.

Thus, it is advantageous to provide a transconnector which may beadjusted to adapt to variations in spinal rod alignment. The addition ofsuch adjustability, however, may require the transconnector to includenumerous pieces that can be difficult to assemble and use while in thesurgical environment.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide a transconnector with assmall a profile as possible to decrease the total amount of soft tissuetrauma incurred, and to minimize the chance for subsequentcomplications. Providing a transconnector with a small profile is alsobeneficial when attempting to engage longitudinal spinal rods wherein,for one reason or another, the bone fixation elements are closely spacedtogether.

It is further advantageous to provide a transconnector that, onceassembled, prevents disassembly of the individual pieces thereby helpingto facilitate implantation of the transconnector by reducing thelikelihood that the transconnector will accidentally come apart duringimplantation in the patient. It is also advantageous to provide atransconnector that reduces the overall number of steps required to fixthe location of the transconnector with respect to the longitudinalspinal rods, thereby facilitating implantation of the transconnector byreducing the time and effort needed for implantation in the patient.

Thus, there exists a need for an improved transconnector for couplingadjacent spinal rods which advantageously may be adapted to adjust tovarying spinal rod alignments, which has a reduced footprint forreducing associated tissue trauma and, which when pre-assembled, willremain intact during implantation in the patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to atransconnector for use in interconnecting a pair of longitudinal spinalrods in a posterior spinal fixation procedure. The transconnector mayinclude a bridge member and first and second spinal rod engagingmembers. The bridge member may include first and second members, whereinthe first and second members are moveably associated with one another sothat the distance between the first and second spinal rod engagingmembers can be adjusted. The first and second spinal rod engagingmembers may include an upper clamp body and a lower clamp body, whereinthe upper and lower clamp bodies define a rod receiving channel forreceiving one of the spinal rods therein. The spinal rod engagingmembers may be articulating or non-articulating with respect to thebridge members. The spinal rod engaging members preferably also includea spring, for example, a spring washer, to provide an opposing orbiasing force so that the spinal rod engaging members can provisionallysnap onto or tentatively engage the spinal rods.

In one exemplary embodiment, the transconnector may include a bridgemember having first and second ends and first and second rod engagingmembers. The first rod engaging member is coupled to the first end ofthe bridge member while the second rod engaging member is coupled to thesecond end of the bridge member. The first and second rod engagingmembers each include a rod receiving channel for receiving first andsecond rods, respectively. At least the first rod engaging member beingable to articulate with respect to the bridge member. The first rodengaging member including an upper clamp body, a lower clamp body, anactuation screw, a compression cap and a spring. The first end of thebridge member including a bore for receiving the actuation screw suchthat the actuation screw passes through the spring, the compression cap,the upper clamp body, the first end of the bridge member and intothreaded engagement with the lower clamp body such that rotation of theactuation screw moves the lower clamp body with respect to the upperclamp body to thereby secure the rod within the rod receiving channeland to secure the position of the first rod engaging member with respectto the bridge member. The spring biasing the lower clamp body intoengagement with the upper clamp body so that the first rod engagingmember can provisionally snap onto the rod received within the rodreceiving channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments of the application, will be better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes ofillustrating the preferred transconnectors of the present application,there is shown in the drawings preferred embodiments. It should beunderstood, however, that the application is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a transconnector inaccordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the transconnector of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevational view of the transconnector of FIG.1, shown in a collapsed position;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevational view of the transconnector of FIG.1, shown in a partially expanded position;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective, exploded view of thetransconnector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6A illustrates a top plan view of an articulating spinal rodengaging member of the transconnector of FIG. 1, wherein thearticulating spinal rod engaging member is pivoted in the yaw directionand is engaged with a spinal rod;

FIG. 6B illustrates a front elevational view of the articulating spinalrod engaging member of the transconnector of FIG. 1, wherein thearticulating spinal rod engaging member is pivoted in the roll directionand is engaged with the spinal rod;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective, exploded view of atransconnector in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the transconnector of FIG.7, taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9A illustrates a top perspective view of a coupler ortransconnector mounted to spinal rods in accordance with a thirdpreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B illustrates an exploded view of the coupler of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C illustrates a cross-section view of the coupler of FIG. 9A,taken along line 9C-9C of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 illustrates a top perspective view of a transconnector inaccordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention,shown in an expanded position;

FIG. 10A illustrates a top perspective view of the transconnector ofFIG. 10, shown in a partially collapsed position;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the transconnector of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 illustrates a side perspective view of a transconnector inaccordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 13 illustrates a front elevational view of a bridge member used inconnection with the transconnector of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “top” and “bottom”designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Thewords “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and awayfrom, respectively, the geometric center of the device and designatedparts thereof. The words, “anterior”, “posterior”, “superior”,“inferior” and related words and/or phrases designate preferredpositions and orientations in the human body to which reference is madeand are not meant to be limiting. The terminology includes theabove-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring to FIGS. 1-13, certain exemplary embodiments will now bedescribed with reference to the drawings, wherein like referencenumerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In general, suchembodiments relate to cross-braces or transconnectors 10, 10′, 200, 300,400 (collectively referred to herein as a transconnector), by way ofnon-limiting example, the transconnectors 10, 10′, 200, 300, 400 arepreferably used for interconnecting a pair of longitudinal spinal rodsin a posterior spinal fixation procedure. The transconnectors 10, 10′,200, 300, 400 may have other applications and uses and should not belimited to the structure or use described and illustrated. For example,it is envisioned, that the transconnectors 10, 10′, 200, 300, 400 may beconfigured to engage only one spinal rod 5, while another end of thetransconnectors 10, 10′, 200, 300, 400 is configured to directly engagea patient's vertebra via, for example, a bone screw.

In use, the transconnectors 10, 10′, 200, 300, 400 may be configured toprovide multiple degrees of freedom to permit the transconnectors 10,10′, 200, 300, 400 to accommodate varying alignments of spinal rods 5.For example, the transconnectors 10, 10′, 200, 300, 400 may beconfigured to angulate and translate with respect to the longitudinalspinal rods 5 after being initially coupled at one end to the spinal rod5, thus permitting the transconnectors 10, 10′, 200, 300, 400 toaccommodate, for example, converging and/or diverging longitudinalspinal rods 5, non-coplanar longitudinal spinal rods 5, and longitudinalspinal rods 5 that have varying rod separation distances.

Moreover, while the preferred transconnectors 10, 10′, 200, 300, 400 aredescribed as and may generally be used in the spine (for example, in thelumbar, thoracic or cervical regions), those skilled in the art willappreciate that the transconnectors 10, 10′, 200, 300, 400 may be usedfor fixation of other parts of the body such as, for example, joints,long bones or bones in the hand, face, feet, etc. In addition, thetransconnectors 10, 10′, 200, 300, 400 may be used for external fixationof the body such as, for example, where rods are joined outside of thepatient's body to, for example, the patient's vertebra, long bones, etc.

The preferred transconnectors 10, 10′, 200, 300, 400 may be constructedfrom any biocompatible material including, but not limited to, stainlesssteel, titanium, titanium alloys, polymers, memory shaped alloys, etc.that is able to take on the general shape of the transconnectors 10,10′, 200, 300, 400 and withstand the normal operating conditions of thetransconnectors 10, 10′, 200, 300, 400.

It should also be understood that the longitudinal spinal rod 5 mayinclude, but not be limited to, a solid rod, a non-solid rod, a flexibleor dynamic rod, etc. Alternatively, the longitudinal spinal rod 5 maynot be a rod at all and may be in the shape of, for example, a plate. Itshould be understood that the transconnectors 10, 10′, 200, 300, 400 arenot limited for use in combination with or as an assembly with anyparticular type of longitudinal spinal rod 5.

Referring to the first preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6B, thetransconnector 10 may include a pair of spinal rod engaging members 20and a bridge member 75.

The bridge member 75 preferably includes a first member 76 and a secondmember 78 wherein the first and second members 76, 78 are moveabledisplaceable with respect to one another so that the length of thetransconnector 10 can be adjusted to vary the distance between thespinal rod engaging members 20 so that the transconnector 10 canaccommodate various distances between longitudinal spinal rods 5. Byproviding an adjustable length bridge member 75, the transconnector 10is able to allow for varied medial to lateral adjustment. Alternatively,the bridge member 75 may be in the form of a single, nonadjustable fixedlength member. In the first preferred embodiment, the first and secondmembers 76, 78 of the bridge member 75 are slidably mounted to eachother for movement between a collapsed position (FIG. 3) and an expandedposition (not shown). However, the first and second members 76, 78 arenot limited to being slidably mounted together and may be alternativelymounted relative to each other to permit modification of the distanceand/or orientation of the engaging members 20 relative to each other.

The first and second members 76, 78 may take on any number of forms,including but not limited to, for example, outer and inner telescopicrods wherein the inner rod is telescopically received within the outertelescopic rod. Alternatively, the first and second members 76, 78 maybe in the form of lateral side by side members that slide relative toone another to provide an adjustable length bridge member 75. Otherarrangements of first and second members 76, 78 are also envisioned toconstruct an adjustable length bridge member 75. However, the first andsecond members 76, 78 of the adjustable length bridge member 75preferably are in the form of a T-beam 80 and a C-channel 82,respectively, wherein at least a portion of the T-beam 80 is slidablyreceived within the C-channel 82. This configuration enables the T-beam80 and C-channel 82 to move laterally with respect to one another whilesubstantially preventing twisting and/or rotation. It is envisioned thatthe first and second members 76, 78 may take on other complementaryshapes that enable lateral movement while in the first preferredembodiment, preferably, substantially preventing twisting and/orrotation. In use, it is envisioned that the adjustable length bridgemember 75 may enable adjustment from about 30 mm to about 90 mm betweenspinal rod centers.

The adjustable length bridge member 75 also preferably includes amechanism for fixing the position of the first and second members 76, 78with respect to one another. The mechanism may be any mechanism now orhereafter known including, but not limited to, for example, a bolt,ratchet, clamp, etc. As shown, the adjustable length bridge member 75preferably includes a translation screw 85 for generating the necessaryclamping force to secure the position of the first and second members76, 78 with respect to one another.

The translation screw 85, either alone or in combination with a featureformed on the adjustable length bridge member 75, preferably isconfigured so that the first and second members 76, 78 are preventedfrom coming apart or separating. For example, the translation screw 85is preferably “staked” so that the translation screw 85 can not beremoved from the first and second member 76, 78 and hence the first andsecond members 76, 78 are prohibited from separating.

The first and second members 76, 78 are preferably provided with aradius to permit the transconnector 10 to span over parts of the humananatomy such as, for example, the patient's dura, facets, lamina,spinous process, etc. Preferably, the first and second members 76, 78have a radius of about 60 mm. Although it is envisioned that otherradiuses may be used. Alternatively, the first and second members 76, 78may be straight.

The transconnector 10 includes the pair of spinal rod engaging members20 operatively coupled to the first and second members 76, 78 that eachinclude a rod receiving channel 21 for receiving one of the longitudinalspinal rods 5 therein. The transconnector 10 may include a pair ofarticulating spinal rod engaging members 22 operatively coupled to thefirst and second members 76, 78, respectively, a pair ofnon-articulating spinal rod engaging members 24 operatively coupled tothe first and second members 76, 78, respectively, or any combinationthereof. For example, as best shown in FIG. 1-5, one of the first andsecond members 76, 78 may include a non-articulating spinal rod engagingmember 24 while the other of the first and second members 76, 78 mayinclude an articulating spinal rod engaging member 22. In use,incorporation of the articulating spinal rod engaging member 22 enablesthe spinal rod engaging member 20 to articulate with respect to thebridge member 75 thus enabling the spinal rod engaging member 20 toengage a pair of spinal rods 5 that are generally oriented in anon-parallel manner. Preferably, the articulating spinal rod engagingmember 22 enables about plus or minus twenty-two degrees (+/−)22° ofarticulation in the yaw direction (for a total of forty-fourdegrees)(44° of motion), as best shown in FIG. 6A, while permitting plusor minus fifteen degrees (+/−)15° of articulation in the roll direction(for a total of thirty degrees)(30° of motion), as best shown in FIG.6B. Although it is envisioned that significantly more or lessarticulation may be permitted.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the articulating spinal rod engaging members 22may include an upper clamp body 30, a lower clamp body 35, a compressioncap 45 and an actuation screw 40. In the first preferred embodiment, atleast one of the upper clamp bodies 30 is moveably connected to thebridge member 75 by, for example, a recess 31 formed in the upper clampbody 30, wherein the recess 31 has an inner curvate or spherical surface32 for engaging an outer curvate or spherical surface 77 formed on atleast one end of the bridge member 75 so that the upper clamp body 30may be connected to the bridge member 75 via a curvate or sphericalconnecting surface. In this manner, by providing an upper clamp body 30which is interconnected to the bridge member 75 via a curvate orspherical connecting surface, the upper clamp body 30 may articulatewith respect to the bridge member 75, thus enabling the spinal rodengaging member 20 to align with a non-planar or non-parallellongitudinal spinal rods 5. The compression cap 45 preferably includesan internal curvate or spherical shape 46 for mating with the outercurvate or spherical surface 77 formed on the bridge member 75.

The lower clamp body 35 is preferably moveably connected to the upperclamp body 30 by, for example, the actuation screw 40. As shown, thebridge member 75, the upper clamp body 30, the lower clamp body 35 andthe compression cap 45 preferably all include an internal bore 43 forreceiving the actuation screw 40. That is, preferably, the upper clampbody 30, the lower clamp body 35, the bridge member 75 and thecompression cap 45 all include a bore 43 for receiving the actuationscrew 40 such that the actuation screw 40 passes through the compressioncap 45, the upper clamp body 30, the bridge member 75 and into threadedengagement with the lower clamp body 35 such that rotation of theactuation screw 40 moves the lower clamp body 35 with respect to theupper clamp body 30 to thereby secure the rod 5 within the rod receivingchannel 21 and compresses the internal curvate or spherical surface 46formed in the compression cap 45 against the outer curvate or sphericalsurface 77 formed on the bridge member 75 to fix the position of thearticulating spinal rod engaging members 22 with respect to the bridgemember 75. Thus, in use, rotation of the actuation screw 40 preferablycauses the lower clamp body 35 to move towards the upper clamp body 30to thereby secure the position of the spinal rod 5 with respect to thespinal rod engaging member 20 when the spinal rod engaging member 22 isengaged with the spinal rod 5. In addition, rotation of the actuationscrew 40 also secures the position of the upper and lower clamp bodies30, 35 with respect to the bridge member 75 (e.g., to secure the rolland yaw position of articulating spinal rod engaging members 22 withrespect to the bridge member 75).

By incorporating a non-integral lower clamp body 35, the spinal rodengaging members 20 and hence the transconnector 10, requires lessspinal rod clearance on the anterior side of the spinal rod 5 in orderto attach the spinal rod engaging members 20 to the longitudinal spinalrods 5, thereby helping the transconnector 10 to achieve a lowerprofile. Alternatively, the bridge member 75 may include an integrallyformed lower clamp body (not shown).

In use, the actuation screws 40 preferably include a mechanism forpreventing the actuation screws 40 from becoming separated from thetransconnector 10. For example, the actuation screws 40 may include“staked” ends so that the actuation screws 40 are difficult to removefrom the spinal rod engaging members 20 and hence the spinal rodengaging members 20 are difficult to separate from the bridge member 75.

The upper and lower clamp bodies 30, 35 preferably define the rodreceiving channel 21 for receiving the longitudinal spinal rod 5. Therod receiving channel 21 may include a roughened or textured surface,for example, a glass beaded texture, radial teeth, serrations, grooves,etc. for contacting the outer surface of the longitudinal spinal rod 5in order to limit rotational or axial slippage of the rod 5 with respectto the spinal rod engaging members 20.

The spinal rod engaging members 20 preferably also include a spring 50.Although it is envisioned that the spring 50 may take on any number offorms now or hereafter known including, for example, a helical spring,leaf spring, compression spring, flexible block, etc. In the firstpreferred embodiment, the spring 50 is in the form of a spring washer.The spring 50 preferably provides an opposing force to permit the spinalrod engaging members 20 to provisionally “snap” onto or otherwiseprovisionally engage the longitudinal spinal rods 5. That is, the spring50 preferably includes a bore 52 for receiving the actuation screw 40therethrough. The spring 50 is preferably located between the head 41 ofthe actuation screw 40 and the compression cap 45 or the integral upperclamp body 30 so that the spring 50 provides a bias force which causesthe lower clamp body 35 to press against the upper clamp body 30 so thatthe longitudinal spinal rod 5 may be provisionally or tentativelyreceived and held within the rod receiving channels 21 formed in thespinal rod engaging members 20. The spring 50 biases the lower clampbody 35 toward or into engagement with the upper clamp body 30 byapplying a bias force to the underside of the head of the actuationscrew 40, which biases the lower clamp body 35 toward the upper clampbody 30 through engagement of the threads on the actuation screw 40 andthe threads in the bore 43 of the lower clamp body 30. Accordingly, in aclosed position, the spring 50 biases the lower clamp body 35 toward theupper clamp body 30 to define a relatively small diameter rod receivingchannel 21 in the first preferred embodiment, but also permits the lowerclamp body 35 to be urged away from the upper clamp body 30 bycompressing the spring 50, thereby enlarging the rod receiving channel21 such that the rod 5 may be received therein.

As previously mentioned and as best shown in FIGS. 1-5, one or both ofthe spinal rod engaging members 20 may be configured as anon-articulating spinal rod engaging member 24. In use, anon-articulating spinal rod engaging member 24 is substantiallyidentical to an articulating spinal rod engaging member 22 describedabove, however, in the non-articulating spinal rod engaging member 24,the upper clamp body 30 may be integrally formed with the bridge member75 (shown as integrally formed with the second member 78 of the bridgemember 75). Alternatively, it is envisioned that the upper clamp body 30may be a separate and distinct member from the bridge member 75 andaffixed thereto by any means now or hereafter known, such as welding,adhesive bonding, clamping, fastening, etc.

Moreover, in use, rotation of the actuation screw 40 preferably securesthe position of the upper and lower clamp bodies 30, 35 with respect tothe bridge member 75 (e.g., fixes the articulated position (i.e., yawand roll positions) of the articulated spinal rod engaging member 22with respect to the bridge member 75) and provides clamping force tosecure the spinal rod 5 in the rod-receiving channel 21 of thearticulated spinal rod engaging member 22. For a non-articulated spinalrod-engaging member 24, rotation of the actuation screw 40 preferablyonly provides the necessary clamping force to secure the spinal rod 5 inthe rod receiving channel 21 of the spinal rod engaging member 24.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in a second preferred embodiment of atransconnector 10′, the bridge member 75′ may be in the form of firstand second telescopic, tubular members (only one of which is shown)wherein the first member is sized and configured to be received withinthe second member. Alternatively, as previously mentioned, thetransconnector 10′ may only include one spinal rod engaging member 20′for directly engaging only one spinal rod 5, while the other end of thetransconnector 10′ is configured to directly engage a patient's vertebravia, for example, a bone screw.

Moreover, as shown, the spinal rod engaging members 20′ may be locatedin a stacked relationship relative to the bridge member 75′. That is,for example, the bridge member 75′ may be located on top of or to oneside of the upper and lower clamp bodies 30′, 35′. The bridge member 75′may include an enlarged diametric end 90′ having the bore 43′ forreceiving the actuation screw 40′. The upper and lower clamp bodies 30′,35′ are preferably moveably coupled to the bridge member 75′ so that thespinal rod engaging members 20′ is preferably, pivotally associated withthe bridge member 75′ about the longitudinal axis 42′ of the actuationscrew 40′ to better accommodate non-parallel and/or converging/divergingrods 5. The bottom surface 91′ of the enlarged diametric end 90′ may beconfigured to contact the top surface 32′ of the upper clamp body 30′.The bottom surface 91′ of the enlarged diametric ends 90′ and the topsurface 32′ of the upper clamp body 30′ may include correspondingserrations in order to provide better securement. Alternatively, thebottom surface 91′ of the enlarged diametric ends 90′ and the topsurface 32′ of the upper clamp body 30′ may be bead blasted (e.g.,roughened surface) in order to provide potentially improved securement.

The spinal rod engaging members 20′ preferably also include a spring 50′to provide an opposing force in order to permit the longitudinal spinalrods 5 to provisionally snap into the rod receiving channels 21′ formedin the spinal rod engaging members 20′. As previously described, thespring 50′ preferably includes a bore 52′ for receiving the actuationscrew 40′ therethrough. The spring 50′ is preferably located between thehead 41′ of the actuation screw 40′ and the bridge member 75′, as bestshown in FIG. 7, so that the spring 50′ provides an initial force whichcauses the lower clamp body 35′ to press against the upper clamp body30′ so that the longitudinal spinal rod 5 may be tentatively orprovisionally received and held within the rod receiving channel 21′.The spring 50′ may take on any number of forms now or hereafter knownincluding, but not limited to, a spring washer. The spring 50′preferably provides an opposing force in order to permit the spinal rodengaging members 20′ to provisionally snap onto the longitudinal spinalrods 5.

The operation of the transconnector 10′ is substantially similar to theoperation of the transconnector 10 discussed above.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, a coupler or transconnector 200in accordance with a third preferred embodiment for interconnectingsubstantially parallel rods 205 is disclosed. In use, the coupler 200may be used as a transconnector to couple substantially paralleltransverse spinal rods 5. Alternatively, the coupler 200 may be used tocouple substantially parallel longitudinal spinal rods 5. Furthermore,the coupler 200 may be used in other parts of the body to couplesubstantially parallel rods including, but not limited to, internal orexternal fixation of long bones.

The coupler 200 preferably includes an upper clamp body 230, a lowerclamp body 235, one or more actuation screws 240, and one or moresprings 250. The operation of the coupler 200 is substantially identicalto the operation of the transconnectors 10, 10′ discussed above. Thatis, the lower clamp body 235 is preferably moveably connected to theupper clamp body 230 by, for example, the actuation screw 240.Preferably, the upper clamp body 230 and the lower clamp body 235include an internal bore 243 that receives the actuation screw 240. Theupper and lower clamp bodies 230, 235 define a rod receiving channel 221for receiving the longitudinal spinal rods 205. In use, rotation of theactuation screw 240 causes the lower clamp body 235 to move towards theupper clamp body 230 to thereby secure the position of the spinal rods205 with respect to the coupler 200, when the spinal rods 205 arepositioned in the rod receiving channel 221.

The spring 250 preferably provides an opposing force in order to permitthe longitudinal spinal rods 205 provisionally snap into the rodreceiving channels 221 formed in the coupler 200. The spring 250 ispreferably in the form of a spring washer having a bore 252 forreceiving the actuation screw 240 therethrough. The spring 250 ispreferably located between the head 241 of the actuation screw 240 andthe upper clamp body 230 so that the spring 250 provides an initialforce which causes the lower clamp body 235 to press against the upperclamp body 230 so that the longitudinal spinal rod 205 may betentatively received and held within the rod receiving channel 221formed in the coupler 200. The spring 250 may taken on any one of anumber of different forms, as was described above.

A fourth preferred embodiment of a transconnector 300 is shown in FIGS.10-11. In this fourth preferred embodiment, the bridge member 375 may bein the form of first and second members 376, 378 wherein the firstmember 376 is pivotally coupled or hinged to the second member 378. Thefirst member 376 is preferably pivotally coupled or hinged to the secondmember 378 via a pivot axis 386 that may be substantially transverse toa longitudinal axis 388 of the transconnector 300, which is defined inan expanded position, so that pivotal adjustment of the first and secondmembers 376, 378 causes the bridge member 375 to bend in the anatomicalaxial plane. In this manner, pivotable adjustment of the first member376 with respect to the second member 378 preferably alters the lengthof the transconnector 300 or a distance between spinal rod engagingmembers 320 at either end of the transconnector 300. Pivotal adjustmentof the first member 376 with respect to the second member 378 may causethe bridge member 375 to move posteriorly thus shortening the overalllength of the transconnector 300, as best shown in FIG. 10A.

The first and second members 376, 378 may be coupled to one another byany means now or hereafter known that permits the first and secondmembers 376, 378 to pivot with respect to one another. Preferably, thesecond member 378 includes a hole 392 formed therein, wherein the hole392 receives a projection 390 laterally extending from the first member376. The projection 390 preferably includes a plurality of tabs 391. Thebridge member 375 preferably also includes a threaded fastener or setscrew 394. The set screw 394 is threadably engageable with the firstmember 376 such that rotation of the set screw 394 causes the projection390, more preferably the plurality of tabs 391 to expand, therebycausing the tabs 391 to exert a force onto the inner surface of the hole392 to thereby secure the position of the first member 376 with respectto the second member 378.

The first and second members 376, 378 preferably include integral spinalrod engaging members 320, but are not so limited. The spinal rodengaging members 320 include a rod receiving channel 321 that receives alongitudinal spinal rod 5. The spinal rod engaging members 320 alsoinclude a throughbore 322 that receives a wedge member 324 (e.g. setscrew) for securing the spinal rod 5 in the rod receiving channel 321 ofthe spinal rod engaging member 320. Alternatively, it is envisioned thatthe transconnector 300 may include non-integral spinal rod engagingmembers 320.

A fifth preferred embodiment of a transconnector 400 is shown in FIGS.12 and 13. In this fifth preferred embodiment, the bridge member 475 maybe in the form of first and second members 476, 478, wherein the firstmember 476 and the second member 478 are laterally adjustable withrespect to one another. Although it is envisioned that the first andsecond members 476, 478 may take on any number of forms, preferably, asshown, the first and second members 476, 478 are each in the form of anon-articulating spinal rod engaging member 420 including a post 460extending therefrom. The spinal rod engaging members 420 further includea throughbore 462 passing therethrough, wherein the throughbore 462receives the post 460 extending from the other spinal rod engagingmember 420.

The spinal rod engaging members 420 preferably include a separate,non-integral lower clamp body 435 that is moveably connected to theupper clamp body 430 by, for example, an actuation screw 440, aspreviously described.

In use, rotation of the actuation screw 440 preferably secures (i) theposition of the lower clamp body 435 with respect to the upper clampbody 430 and hence fixes the position of the longitudinal spinal rod 5within the rod receiving channel 421 and (ii) the position of the secondmember 478 with respect to the first member 476. That is, as best shownin FIG. 13, the first and second members 476, 478 preferably include aslot 464 formed therein so that rotation of the actuation screw 440causes the spinal rod engaging members 420 to compress against the post460 of the alternate spinal rod engaging member 420 thereby fixing theposition of the first member 476 with respect to the second member 478.

As previously stated, the upper and lower clamp bodies 430, 435preferably include a rod receiving channel 421 formed therein forreceiving the longitudinal spinal rod 5. The rod receiving channel 421may include a roughened or textured surface, for example, a glass beadedtexture, radial teeth, serrations, grooves, etc. for contacting theouter surface of the longitudinal spinal rod 5 in order to preventrotational or axial slippage of the rod 5 with respect to the spinal rodengaging members 420.

In addition, as also previously described, the upper and lower clampbodies 430, 435 of the spinal rod engaging members 420 preferably eachinclude a spring 450 to provide an opposing force in order to permit thespinal rod engaging members 420 to provisionally snap onto thelongitudinal spinal rods 5.

The first and second members 476, 478 preferably also include a featurefor preventing the first and second members 476, 478 from separating.For example, the posts 460 may include enlarged ends that limit thefirst and second members 476, 478 from pulling apart with respect to oneanother.

While the foregoing description and drawings represent the preferredembodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that variousadditions, modifications, combinations and/or substitutions may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention as defined in the accompanying claims. For example, whilenumerous bridge members and/or spinal rod engaging members have beendescribed herein, it is envisioned that the different bridge members andspinal rod engaging members can be mixed and matched such that everybridge member may be configured to be used in connection with each andevery spinal rod engaging member. In particular, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in otherspecific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with otherelements, materials, and components, without departing from the spiritor essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art willappreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications ofstructure, arrangement, proportions, materials, and components, whichare particularly adapted to specific environments and operativerequirements without departing from the principles of the invention. Inaddition, features described herein may be used singularly or incombination with other features. The presently disclosed embodiments aretherefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appendedclaims, and not limited to the foregoing description.

1. A transconnector for interconnecting first and second rods; thetransconnector comprising: a bridge member having a first end and asecond end; and first and second rod engaging members, wherein the firstrod engaging member is coupled to the first end of the bridge member andthe second rod engaging member is coupled to the second end of thebridge member, the first and second rod engaging members each includinga rod receiving channel for receiving one of the first and second rodstherein, at least the first rod engaging member can articulate withrespect to the bridge member, the first rod engaging member includes anupper clamp body, a lower clamp body, an actuation screw, a compressioncap and a spring, the first end of the bridge member including a borefor receiving the actuation screw such that the actuation screw passesthrough the spring, the compression cap, the upper clamp body, the firstend of the bridge member and into threaded engagement with the lowerclamp body such that rotation of the actuation screw moves the lowerclamp body with respect to the upper clamp body to thereby secure therod within the rod receiving channel and to secure the position of thefirst rod engaging member with respect to the bridge member, the springbiasing the lower clamp body toward the upper clamp body so that thefirst rod engaging member can provisionally snap onto the rod receivedwithin the rod receiving channel.
 2. The transconnector of claim 1,wherein the spring is comprised of a spring washer having a bore forreceiving the actuation screw therethrough.
 3. The transconnector ofclaim 2, wherein the spring washer is located between one of: (i) theactuation screw and the compression cap; (ii) the actuation screw andthe upper clamp body, and (iii) the bridge member and the upper clampbody.
 4. The transconnector of claim 1, wherein the upper clamp bodyincludes a recess having an inner curvate surface for engaging an outercurvate surface formed on the first end of the bridge member so that theupper clamp body is connected to the first end of the bridge member viaa curvate connecting surface.
 5. The transconnector of claim 1, whereinthe first rod engaging member enables articulation in a yaw directionand in a roll direction.
 6. The transconnector of claim 1, wherein thesecond rod engaging member can articulate with respect to the bridgemember.
 7. The transconnector of claim 1, wherein at least a portion ofthe second rod engaging member is integrally formed with the second endof the bridge member.
 8. The transconnector of claim 1, wherein thebridge member includes a first member and a second member, the first andsecond members being moveably displaceable with respect to one anotherso that a length of the bridge member can be adjusted; the bridge memberfurther including a mechanism for fixing the length of the first andsecond members with respect to one another.
 9. The transconnector ofclaim 8, wherein the first and second members are outer and innertelescopic rods wherein the inner rod is telescopically received withinthe outer telescopic rod.
 10. The transconnector of claim 8, wherein oneof the first and second members is a T-beam and the other of the firstand second members is a C-channel, the T-beam being slidably receivablewithin the C-channel so that the length of the bridge member isadjustable while lateral and rotational movement of the first and secondmembers with respect to one another is limited.
 11. The transconnectorof claim 8, wherein the mechanism for fixing the length of the first andsecond members is a bridge member translation screw.
 12. Thetransconnector of claim 8, wherein the bridge member includes a radiusof curvature.
 13. The transconnector of claim 1, wherein the at leastone articulating rod engaging member is pivotally associated withrespect to the bridge member.